Army National Guard

[ILoveMyBrutu]

Just curious if anyone on here is in, or knows of people who are in the Army National Guard? I've been seriously thinking about joining, but haven't decided for sure yet. I'd have to be gone to basic training in South carolina (I'm in Montana) for approx. 9 weeks. Thats a way long time to be gone from my hubby, girls and Brutus. But the opportunity is HUGE. College is almost 100% paid for, and plus its a part time check. Not only that, but I'd be doing something for my country....other than paying taxes that is.:rolleyes: Anyone have any experiences, etc? Thanks!!!

 

[basak]

Well, I guess everyone here knows how I feel about anything that contains the word ''army'' or ''military''. My hubby has been gone to the military service for 8 months and just returned and I must say he is not the same person anymore. Now I know Army National Guard is not the same with the army or military but still... The opportunity may be huge but I would say please think twice

basak

 

[Loke]

I don't have experience with the Nationaly Guard, just full-time Army. My husband went to basic in South Carolina. Time went by pretty fast for me, maybe not for him. I do tend to agree the Army will change a person, but not necessarily in a bad way. I think it's totally different here where military service is voluntary. If you want to be in you will be fine. Just consider all the possibilities there are. Don't join just for college money, you MUST assume you could go somewhere, just think of recent events.

Lenna

 

[Barb_IA]

Schooling is one reason people join. I had to feel sorry for these young women and men with tears in their eyes when they left for war. They were only 18 and joined for the college benefits. College is on hold and they are now overseas.

Barb

 

[ILoveMyBrutu]

I've asked that same question..."what are the chances of getting called out". And the chances are VERY slim, #1 because I wouldn't be active guard, and #2, because I'm a woman, and can't go into combat....I know there are other things military related over seas other than combat, but because I won't be active, the chances are very very slim.......still, thats one thing thats kinda holding me back in addition to basic. Thanks for your input!! Muchly appreciated!:D

 

[Rowdy's Dad]

I was in the Texas Air National Gaurd for 5 years. The last couple of years 98-99, my unit was deploying 3 months/time to Turkey. I'd think twice about joining just for the college benefits. I got out because I couldn't afford the pay cuts while I was activated. My civilian job pays 3 times as much. (The only reason I got the job though was because I finished college while I was active duty Air Force.) If you are single, I might say "Go for it". If you are married, I'd say find another way to get through college.

 

[Loke]

Originally posted by ILoveMyBrutu
I've asked that same question..."what are the chances of getting called out". And the chances are VERY slim, #1 because I wouldn't be active guard, and #2, because I'm a woman, and can't go into combat....I know there are other things military related over seas other than combat, but because I won't be active, the chances are very very slim.......still, thats one thing thats kinda holding me back in addition to basic. Thanks for your input!! Muchly appreciated!:D

I wouldn't bet on that. With them cutting the military down, they are using the reserves and guard for more than they used to. And just because you may not go overseas, you could very well go somewhere in the states for extended periods of time. Just think post-9-11. People in the guard were deployed for airport duty, I do recall reading of one woman being away from her family (kids and all) for months. Her husband was also reserves and didn't go. :confused: It also depends on what your job MOS is. Because you are a woman you aren't in direct combat, supposedly. That doesn't mean squat. Just think about it with the great possibility that you are going somewhere.

Lenna

 

[ILoveMyBrutu]

I was told today (I talked to the recruiter, and a few others) and they told me that unless I went on as "active" I wouldn't get called out unless they couldn't find volunteers. They said out here when they need people (aka active duty) they very, very rarely have the need to go "look" for more, because the $$ is so good when your're active and get "called out". So I have to assume that the people you've mentioned that got called to guard airports, etc....where listed active.
Lenna:
how long ago did your husband go through basic in S.C? That's where I'd be headed for my basic. What time of year did he go? What were his experiences there?

Thanks so much for your input guys!! Much-ly appreciated!!
:cool:

 

[Snork]

Originally posted by ILoveMyBrutu
I was told today (I talked to the recruiter, and a few others) and they told me that unless I went on as "active" I wouldn't get called out unless they couldn't find volunteers

Don't count on it. Military recruiters are notarious for promising the sun and the moon ... until you sign the contract.

Being a woman and having little children DOES NOT matter. Once you sign up, you are a soldier first and foremost. Someone in my family (who was NOT signed on as active) had to say bye-bye to her 6 year old daughter, her hubby and her beautiful baby girl who was less than 18 mos old at the time, as she left for active overseas duty. Duration? At least a year. Yup, a woman. Yup, little children. Yup, primary caretaker. Yup, in school. Off she went.

You sign up to be available, and if they need people, you will be called up. That's what you are paid for. Everyone goes in for the benefits, thinking that there will be no active duty, but it would not make sense for Army to sign people up, if they did not expect to call them up at one point, would it?

If you are ok with this, I think reserves is a great way how to pay for education.

-snork

 

[cashisking]

Snork hit the nail on the head. As a Vet. (Former Active Duty Army) Recruiters are alot like car salesman, they will tell you anything to seal the deal. No offense to any recruiters out there. During the Frist Gulf War MANY reservists and National Guard were called up if not to go iverseas, to replenish the manpower that was lost overseas. I would venture to guess we had about 40% reservists/guard in Fitzsimmons during that time. I do believe that Guard also has Temp Duty so you do go SOMEWHERE for at least 6 weeks a year. And look in the news, ALOT of reservists are in the middle east wanting desperatley to come home and being told they will be there at least a year. Fact is that resrve and Guard are on call active duty personel.

Yep Collage is paid for but you MUST use your GI bill within 10 years or that money slips away. It is a good deal where education, health care and other benifits are concerned.

I am of the mind that it is a GOOD thing to serve your country, and hope that in the future US's services stay all volunteer. BUT if you or anyone is thinking of joining be ready to serve the way Uncle Sam sees fit and to "do the time" no matter where he tells you to go it will be your duty to follow orders. I hear too often the old "I didn't sign up for this" :confused:

Good luck in whatever you decide!